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Bipartisanship reared its head when 373 lawmakers voted to give Jack Nicklaus the Congressional Gold Medal “in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship.” Cost: no more than $30,000.

Civil rights hero Lena Horne was also recognized — as was Mark Twain. And Republicans voted on a sportsmen’s bill that opens federal lands for hunting and fishing.

The House passed a highway bill that is nothing more than a vehicle to negotiate with the Senate. And a 20 percent business tax cut will come up on Thursday — it is already dead in the Senate and a nonstarter with the White House.

And the Senate? Democrats are working on a budget in a committee that won’t allow amendments and leadership won’t allow a vote until after the election.

Another piece of legislation to reform the near-bankrupt Postal Service is bogged down in the Senate in an unrelated dispute over foreign aid to Egypt.

Unemployment is still north of 8 percent and gas is above $4 a gallon. But it’s unavoidable: Congress, a body that can advance proposals only when there’s common ground, simply isn’t getting much done.

Politicians in both camps counter such cynicism about congressional inaction, insisting that they’re working hard to heal a dismal economy. Whether it’s the “Buffett rule” or small-business tax cuts — both parties think they have the answers. If only the other gang would get out of its way.

But the inaction raises more questions for Congress. Should they just pass single-chamber legislation they know has no chance at becoming law?

“November is the fight for our country,” Alabama Republican Rep. Mo Brooks said. “And we have people who are basically socialist, bigger government, higher tax fans who have one viewpoint. And you have people who believe in a smaller government, individual liberty, lower taxes, free enterprise versus socialism. That’s the battle. What you’re seeing in the Senate and the House is messaging to help the public better understand what the options are.”

Others are peeved. Folks like Rep. Reid Ribble — a Wisconsin Republican who is a big golfer but voted against the Nicklaus resolution any way.

“I don’t think it’s necessary for the Congress of the United States, when we’re $15 trillion in debt, to be using that to fill time,” Ribble said.

He was one of four no votes. Fifty-three lawmakers didn’t even vote.

Ribble said he doesn’t blame voters for their disapproval.

“They look at it and say, ‘what’s wrong with us?’” Ribble said. “They’re cynical. I’m still cynical. I tell folks back home: I come here and vote on what’s there.”

Work? Yah gotta be kidding us! They get there on Tuesday, get a haircu, go to lunch with lobbyiss and leave on Thursday They have cost us TRILLIONS and EXCEPT themselves from everything they make us live with. Nancy and Harry travel like ROYALTY and sell favors without worry!

What the first posters say is ridiculous. I have worked in the House and I follow what is going on there now that I am retired and I have NEVER seen a more dysfunctional group of both Dems and Reps, both Congressmen and Senators. This is not the fault on one party. . .it is the atmosphere where no one really cares to accomplish any thing for any body unless it somehow hurts the other party or advances our own. I am a Republican and I am deeply ashamed of both the leadership and most of the members. Cantor is a self rigthous, self obsessed person and Boener is a good guy trapped in a horrible job. You have guys like West and Quyale. The Dems have their own problems. This is so damned sad.

What the first posters say is ridiculous. I have worked in the House and I follow what is going on there now that I am retired and I have NEVER seen a more dysfunctional group of both Dems and Reps, both Congressmen and Senators. This is not the fault on one party. . .it is the atmosphere where no one really cares to accomplish any thing for any body unless it somehow hurts the other party or advances our own. I am a Republican and I am deeply ashamed of both the leadership and most of the members. Cantor is a self rigthous, self obsessed person and Boener is a good guy trapped in a horrible job. You have guys like West and Quyale. The Dems have their own problems. This is so damned sad.

The only "work" the GOP (Greedy Old Pigs) is doing in Congress is protecting the interests of the oil companies, the super wealthy, and Grover Norquist - they are NOT looking out for the interests of the American people!!!

From the article: And the Senate? Democrats are working on a budget in a committee that won’t allow amendments and leadership won’t allow a vote until after the election.

What are we at now? Has it been over 3 years (1100 days or so) since the Senate did it's CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY by submitting a budget? That's the Democrat, Harry Reid Senate for you!!!

Aren't we blessed to have such public servants? Is there SOME WAY to prosecute or impeach this reconfigured pile of chewed bubble gum for malfeasance or fraud or dereliction of duty? Is Harry Reid the WORST leader of the Senate in American history?

The only "work" the GOP (Greedy Old Pigs) is doing in Congress is protecting the interests of the oil companies, the super wealthy, and Grover Norquist - they are NOT looking out for the interests of the American people!!!

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And what is your interest? Welfare, food stamps, entitlements, and sucking tax payer resources? No wonder people like you are jealous of the wealthy and are stuck in poverty!

NM-AmPat writes: The only "work" the GOP (Greedy Old Pigs) is doing in Congress is protecting the interests of the oil companies, the super wealthy, and Grover Norquist - they are NOT looking out for the interests of the American people!!!

Oh wow, good point Pat! Because we all know that hosing the oil companies, and over-regulating and restricting their drilling has led to lower prices at the pump for us working stiffs--you know, those of us who PAY ALL THE GD TAXES!!!!!

Jeez, what would we working people do without you astutely educated leftists running around telling us how much better off we are under the Dear Leader, Obama? I sure do LOVE this 10.9% unemployment rate. Let's go after those evil rich people some more, right Pat? Gimme more gubmint handouts! No one will ever have to pay for them, right?

The only "work" the GOP (Greedy Old Pigs) is doing in Congress is protecting the interests of the oil companies, the super wealthy, and Grover Norquist - they are NOT looking out for the interests of the American people!!!

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Your post parrots Democrat talking points but lacks any substance.

The DEMOCRAT-controlled Senate has not passed abudget resolution since April 29, 2009; THREE YEARS ago.

Your attempt to excuse Congressional Democrats is pathetically unfounded and show your ignorance or bias.

This Congress, both the Senate and House, is full of a bunch of free loading losers. They are taking money from the American taxpayers under false pretence and giving nothing back in return. Harry Truman said it years ago about a "Do Nothing Congress". It's the same today. Take a look at CSpan. Most of the time speakers are talking to an an almost empty hall. It is really pathetic that we keep electing people whose only ambition is to be re-elected again and again. Hell, why not? It's better that working for a living.

Oh yeah, don't forget they woke up before noon and stood on the steps of the US Capital building this week to watch the end of the space program fly overhead and non-coincidentally land in Washington, DC - the land of kickbacks and political favors. They rallied outside to watch as if it was some sort of tribute. Instead, it was a real insult and a great slam that Discovery dipped over their air-filled heads on the way to its grave as an American treasure. Good job, Congress - and thanks so much Obama. Buh bye to Discovery, and buh-bye to Obama.